Taking the “Scary Sharp” Chisel-Sharpening Method to the Next Level

In this Stumpy Nubs video, James shows how you can take the “scary sharp” chisel sharpening method (using 4 levels of course-to-fine sandpaper on a flat piece of glass) to the next level using 320 and 400 Cubitron II discs for the first two sharpening passes.

The scary sharp method works great, but it can be tedious and time-consuming, especially if you’re trying to restore a chipped or super dull tool or tuning up a brand new chisel. The ceramic-based Cubitron discs help accelerate that process. From there, you can switch to regular 600 and 1000 grit aluminum oxide discs for the final 2 passes. And then leather stropping for a final polish.

At the end of the video, James recommends a kit that Taylor Tools sells which includes a piece of 5” x 11” dead-flat 5/16” thick float glass, a selection of 5” 3M PSA sanding discs (2 each 320 and 400 Cubitron II discs and 2 each 600 and 1000 grit PSA aluminum oxide discs) and 14 each 1/2” diameter urethane PSA bumpers — all for $25. If you try to buy all this items separately on Amazon, it would cost you as much or more than this. I’ve bought tools from Taylor before and highly recommend them. Unfortunately, since the Stumpy Nubs video came out, they are back ordered.


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